Time Warner Cable expands video-on-demand services for Starz and Encore

by used view

On May 30, 2013, Time Warner Cable announced that it is expanding digital access to online content and video-on-demand (VOD) services for the premium channels Starz and Encore (Starz’s sister network), as well as 12 multiplex networks, Movieplex, Retroplex and Indieplex. According to a Time Warner Cable press release, customers who subscribe to these channels can expect to have access to the new content in June 2013.

This extensive and expanded rights package include:

Online destinations that will deliver thousands of hours of premium movies and original programming annually as part of TV Everywhere which will give subscribers the opportunity to watch STARZ and ENCORE premium programming through their PCs/Macs, mobile iOS devices like iPhone and iPad, and select Android and other mobile devices.

Expanded VOD services in many markets: bonus material for Starz Original series on Starz On Demand including, “Da Vinci’s Demons,” the upcoming second season of the TV series “Magic City” (premiering June 14, 2013), and “The White Queen” (premiering Aug. 10, 2013)

The first look at many new STARZ movies, while providing an opportunity to catch up on missed episodes of favorite original series and hundreds of other popular movies. Hit movies currently on Starz on Demand include “The Amazing Spider-Man,” “Men In Black 3,” “Brave” and “21 Jump Street.”

Time Warner Cable’s Group VP of Content Acquisition Susan Weinstein commented in a press release: “We are excited to provide our customers with access to these new innovative products and services through our agreement with Starz. Starz and Encore are great services offering blockbuster Hollywood movies as well as an impressive commitment to original series programming. This is another example of our commitment to bring TV Everywhere to our customers.”

On March 14, 2013, Starz announced that the Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD are the latest devices to offer support for its online authenticated TV Everywhere services: Starz Play, Encore Play, and Movieplex Play. Earlier this month, the company built upon its Play launch debut of iPhone, iPad & iPod touch support by announcing launches for handsets and tablets on Android and other platforms including Nook HD, Nook HD+ and select Google Nexus devices including the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. For a complete list of supported devices, please visit assets.starzplay.com/devices.

The free PLAY platform applications are also now available in the Amazon Appstore for Android, to go along with the App Store, Google Play, and Nook Apps storefronts. Additional devices and app platforms are expected to launch later this year.

AT&T U-verse TV, Cox Communications, DirecTV and Verizon FiOS currently offer the PLAY services for their premium subscribers to the Starz premium services. Several new distributor launches are expected in 2013.

Starz Play, Encore Play, and Movieplex Play offer online monthly access to approximately 1,500 of the premier movies, originals, and additional TV episodes from the respective Starz premium services. Provided at no additional monthly charge, the three authenticated online Play services provide a suite of easy-to-use, online viewing options for Starz, Encore and Movieplex subscribers to enjoy the quality original programming and commercial-free movies offered on the respective Starz, Encore and Movieplex services.

Starz Play, Encore Play, and Movieplex Play are accessible through 3G/4G cellular, Wi-Fi, and broadband connections. The Play services have a recommended minimum required bandwidth of 1Mbps, and a minimum 2.5Mbps for an optimal viewing experience. The Starz Play, Encore Play and Movieplex Play PC/Mac® interfaces are available at www.starzplay.com, www.encoreplay.com, and www.movieplexplay.com respectively. Gaming console support is expected to be launched in the future.